Dear Oceandrive24:

“It makes sense to open up to him.. before I tell him that I have an interest in him as more than a friend… Although I want to be honest with him so it might be wise to tell him that I have an interest in him as more than a friend”-

– this piece of information, that you have an interest in him as more than a friend- is not that powerful that it should matter when you tell him about this interest: you can tell him about this interest and add that you  are not interested or ready to act on this interest at this time. Telling him that you have an interest in him as more than a friend does not mean that you have lost control about what you do/ he does next.

Regarding insight and advice about caring for your son:  I would say keep calm around him best you can, see to it that he can expect and depend on consistent reactions and behaviors on your part, that he can depend on the same daily routine every day; have soft lights in his room/ house, perhaps a sound machine that produces white noise, ocean waves, or rain (his choice)- that will soften unexpected sounds, and give him the needed sameness of sound, comfortable clothing, nothing too tight. I will be glad to give you my input regarding any specifics about your caring for him that you want to bring up to me.

anita